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all linn, or mix & match??

I am considering a pair of linn keilidhs. I currently have a receiver based theater system (sony 555es, snell type d mains). I want to upgrade the electronics as a 2 channel system looped into the theater, replacing all speakers with linns (except my sub) I was considering Linn's classik for its value and simplicity, but am wondering if there are any integrated amp/cd player recommendations that have a combined cost of about 2K that should also be considered. I do plan to add an outboard amp to the classik as soon as funds allow, probably an LK140 or thereabouts, to get a more dynamic result. I know that Linn products have always had a synergy about them, and I am cheifly interested in an involving and emotional system. I listen to mostly rock (classic to metal) and upbeat fusion type jazz. Any input is appreciated. Thanks
ehm3
ehm3 OP
26 posts
 
Hmm, the powertek/pretek idea sounds interesting. My keilidhs are now on the way, so I better start looking. Does anyone know where I might find info on that or on the Rega gear--I would like to familiarize myself. I couldn't find the Powertek in the Orion bluebook---does it go by another name? Also, what's a good CD player for the pretek/powertek? (approx $400-$800) I am not worried about it being "obsolete" in a few years---all of them will, IMHO. Thanks again for everyone's excellent input!!!! You've all been very helpful so far.
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,403 posts
 
A good new CD Player is the Audio Refinement Complete. I owned one for a short while and found it to be very "musical". Ended up giving it to my stepson or I would have it now. It was a little over $600.00 used though I have seen them go for less in the past three months. I preferred it to Arcam's 7SE and 8SE as well as Rotel's 971 due to its warmth. For $1000.00 you can buy the Musical Fidelity A series player from Audio Advisor, this player has received rave reviews - have not heard it myself. If you want to go cheaper you mught consider the Cambridge 500 or the Ah! Tjoeb, neither are to my taste but again many people like them and I could have just experienced a bad demo. I auditioned the Tjoeb at home but did not bother to isolate it which was definatly a mistake due to its tube output stage.
joolz
64 posts
 
the linn pretek and powertek are hard to find--i've been looking for another poweramp for biamping and its been a long search but i aint givin up-- linn also done an intergrated amp in the same line called INTEK!!if you find one of these get it and you can add a powrtek when you find one! i was i london a couple of months ago and i saw an INTEK for 250 pounds/bout $330 u.s--there is an idea of how much you might spend// you might want to get LINN cables as well and they are not exspensive--i'm using nordost blue heavens that are slightly better but MORE exspensive// as for a cd player you might want to look for a used LINN MIMIK for $500 to get ya startd then upgrade as you feel like!! maybe a LINN GENKI
neubilder
129 posts
 
If you would rather listen than obsess over your hi-fi - to what will continue to be a very high standard for at least the next five years (IMO), the Classik is perfect. I am a bit obsessed so I sold the Classik and went to separates. I don't buy into the linn Philosophy of source first - mostly because sources seem to come and go - why spend 2 grand on a source that will be obsolete in a couple of years? Get a rock solid amp/pre and speakers and have fun plugging different stuff into it. If it happens to be a 2K Genki all the better - but I do think manufacureres are milking us for what the formats are worth.
sedond
1,387 posts
 
linn's obsession w/"source first" started ~25 years ago, w/the lp. i tink it's not out of line for vinyl, & the sondek is still a competitive player in the turntable biz. i'm happy w/my oracle, tho - looks *do* matter, if the sonics are still there! :>) i think the preamp is wery important. upgrading to a really nice tubed-unit has pretty much made irrelevant my choice of cd-player in the $3500 & less category - no need to investigate further, cuz even used, a $3.5k cd-player ain't in *my* budget! my $500 nad cd-changer is as good as i need w/my gnu preamp. doug
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